After more than 140 years of wear and tear, the Faust Haus was born. Through the collaborative efforts of vintners and designers, and with careful consideration of its latent character, a historic relic was transformed into the winery’s first ever tasting venue. A strategy for tapping into the project’s underlying potential was employed by carefully considering the property’s history, character, and deficiencies. In reconsidering the typical Napa wine tasting experience, which involves a centrally located tasting bar, the architects worked closely with the landscape and engineering teams to conceive of a decentralized concept that affords guests a more casual, autonomous experience. 

Originally built in 1878 in the Queen Anne style, the existing Victorian house had suffered substantial neglect, and required extensive sitework, structural upgrades, and restoration. This work included extensive grading and sub-surface drainage systems, new waterproofing, new finishes, and surgically installed MEP systems. Each effort presented the opportunity to preserve the historic building’s soul, while infusing it with a modern sensibility and incorporating strategies that reduced or eliminated the consumption of new materials. Existing stone and wood finishes were carefully preserved. A structural moment frame was introduced to secure the structure and enable the strategic removal of interior walls. 

A crawl space was transformed into a tasting cellar, uncovering the original stone foundation. Inside the home, the central staircase was restored to expose its rich materiality. Conceptually, the staircase is a primary design element. As the palette transitions from dark opulence to bright simplicity, it represents the transcendence of the winery’s namesake: Faust, the protagonist of Goethe’s classic play.Italian artist Roberto Ruspoli was commissioned to create a mural that reinforces this concept of enlightenment as it traces the stairwell to the upper floor. 

The home’s upper level and iconic turret were both preserved but opened up on the inside to transform the space below. A collection of objects has been carefully curated to showcase craft, beauty, and history. Unique, vibrantly colored pieces are paired with vintage finds to imbibe guests in the Faust experience. The revitalized Faust Haus also hosts an ongoing series of intimate workshops, art, fashion showcases and exhibitions featuring global creatives – solidifying the venue as a cultural gathering space.